The following information is a summary about
VANIQA. It is not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
Cream
Chemical Name: EFLORNITHINE
(eh-FLOOR-neh-theen)
Common uses
This medicine is an
enzyme inhibitor used topically to slow the growth of unwanted
facial hair in women. It does not remove hair.
Before using
Some medicines or
medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR
DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter
medicine, including any facial or skin creams, that you are taking.
Inform you doctor of any other medical conditions, broken skin,
sores on the face, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact
your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns
about using this medicine.
Directions
Follow the
directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This
medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it
carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that
you may have about this medicine. Apply a thin layer of this
medicine to the affected areas of the face and under the chin, at
least 5 minutes after hair removal (e.g., plucking, shaving). Rub in
thoroughly. Do not wash the treated area for at least 4 hours. Wait
at least 8 hours between applications of this medicine. Cosmetics or
sunscreens may be applied after the medicine has dried. STORE THIS
MEDICINE at room temperature (77 degrees F or 25 degrees C) in a
tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. Brief storage
between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. DO
NOT FREEZE. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, skip the missed
dose and return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply 2
doses at once.
Cautions
This medicine is
not a dipilatory. You will need to continue your routine method of
hair removal while using this medicine. You may not see improvement
for the first month of use. If your symptoms do not improve or
become worse, check with your doctor. This medicine is not for use
in children under 12 years of age. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON
BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks
of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS
MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE
BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your
doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.
Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS, that
may go away during treatment, include stinging, burning, redness,
tingling, rash of the skin; or hair bumps (folliculitis). If they
continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR
DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience bleeding skin, or swelling of
the face or lips. If you notice other effects not listed above,
contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
Drug interactions
Drug interactions
can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing
its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your
medicines interact with each other.
If you take too much
If overdose is
suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency
room immediately. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed.
Symptoms following ingestion may include hair loss, facial swelling,
seizures, hearing loss, upset stomach, loss of appetite, headache,
weakness, and dizziness.
Additional information
DO NOT SHARE THIS
MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS
MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the
reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF
TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
